"I can't believe you'd *do* this to us!" Yumeko yelled. "How could you even think of such a thing? How could you do it?" Her father took another sip of soup. "I mean, if you were just looking out for me, that'd be one thing, but Shinichi..." He flipped to the back of the paper. "Hey! Are you listening to me? Listen to me, damnit!" Yumeko screamed, her hands balled in rage. When her father didn't look up, she ran forward, fist pulled back... There was a yawn, and Yumeko stopped, shaking. She looked over her shoulder with a scowl, then blinked. Her little brother was wandering into the kitchen, Neko-kun in tow. "Shinichi?" The boy ignored Yumeko, walking up to his father instead and tugging on the man's sleeve. "Daddy, are you listening?" he asked. A slight rustle of paper later, the room was filled with a crisp slap. Shinichi fell to the ground, tears streaming from his eyes, and his father stood up. "Don't touch me," he instructed. "Hai, Daddy. Bu-" Shinichi crumpled against the floor, and his father lowered his foot. "Don't talk back." Yumeko screamed in rage, and she ran forward. How could he? How could he be *doing* this? She'd kill him herself, and then- Strong hands grabbed her arms, holding her back. "Let me go!" Yumeko cried, struggling to break free. "Let me go or I'll kill you, too!" "What good will killing do?" her mother asked her. "What good will fighting do? It only provokes more." Yumeko ground her teeth, but continued watching the scene before her: her brother getting up and wiping the tears from his eyes, Neko-kun lying dejectedly on the ground, looking up with a lazy expression, her father calmly sipping his soup. "But I have to, Mamma," she sniffled. "I can't- I gotta-" Her cheeks were wet. "Don't." Her mother's voice was stern. "Don't fight. It only makes them retaliate harder, and you only feel more pain. Just continue, don't provoke them." "But I gotta, for Shinichi, 'cause there's nobody else and you ran away and-" Yumeko choked out. She struggled a bit more and felt the grip loosen. Pulling away, she whirled to face her mother. "What the hell do you know? You abandoned us!" she yelled, pointing an accusatory finger at her. Her mother reached down and patted her on the head. "Now now, Yumeko-chan. You're still just a little girl." She smiled kindly, then straightened to her full height, towering over Yumeko. "Someday, you'll understand." And when there was nothing left to rely on, not even her age or her fighting prowess, Kobayashi Yumeko screamed. * * * * * Nightmare Fighter Yumeko Chapter 8: Growing * * * * * Yumeko opened her eyes. After blinking a few times, she swallowed experimentally. Her throat was dry. She must have been screaming. She took cursory glance at the clock and sat up, feeling something soft press against her stomach. Looking down, she saw a cat pillow staring back at her. With a scowl, Yumeko stood and tossed Neko-kun onto a corner of her bed. Stupid thing. She stormed over to her desk, grabbed her notebook, and wrote: "Family situation. Different than usual. No auras, just fighting. Helpless." She shut the notebook. Turning, she looked back at her bed only to see Neko-kun staring at her. With a frown, she grabbed the cat by one of its ears, picked it up, and slammed it down onto her bed. She took a few deep breaths, watching the back of the pillow, then shook her head and headed off to continue her morning rituals. Her father was sitting at his usual place at the table, reading the paper and drinking his coffee. Yumeko bit back a surge of fury upon seeing him, then padded over to the counter and poured some dry cereal into a bowl. She took her breakfast and sat at the table, refusing to even look at the man. A few mouthfuls later, though, she snuck a glance. If her father noticed, he gave no indication. She snarled and went back to eating, berating herself. Why was she so angry? She should know the difference between nightmarish fantasy and reality by now. It didn't actually happen. It was only a dream. There were footsteps, and Yumeko stiffened. "Morning Neechan," a small voice greeted her. She turned, trying to calm herself. "Good morning, Shinichi. I packed your lunch last night; it should be in the fridge." "'Kay." He smiled at her, and she couldn't help but smile back. Opening the fridge, he grabbed the obento box and looked over at Yumeko. "Can I have eggs?" Yumeko opened her mouth to reply, then glanced at her watch and shook her head. "Not today. You have to get going, or you'll be late." "Hai." He darted in and gave her a hug. "Thanks, Neechan." After a moment of hesitation, Yumeko hugged him back. Walking over to the door, she opened it and saw her brother's friends at the doorstep, chatting happily. Shinichi stepped outside and quickly joined the conversation. The group moved up the street and turned a corner, disappearing from sight. Sighing, Yumeko glanced back at her father, who was lifting his coffee to his lips. She put on her shoes and grabbed her bag, glared at him one more time, and shut the door after her. * * * * * Yumeko ran her hand through her hair and scowled up at the shining sun. The stupid thing was refusing to match her mood. She really should have worn sunglasses, that way she could ignore the sun completely. As it was, she just tried not to think about it. School would be interesting, at least, for reasons other than the schoolwork. Miwako was a new and unpredictable concern. Yumeko frowned. She didn't know if the girl was a friend or an enemy, but she was getting awfully close to Misako. It was probably a calculated move on her or Hiro's part... She didn't know about the girl, but she knew that the boy (or was it bird?) probably wouldn't be above such a thing. And if they tried messing with Misako- Her path was blocked. "Kobayashi." Yumeko blinked, then grinned. Maybe this was exactly what she needed. "Seiko-chan, what a surprise," she cooed. "What brings you out here this morning? And without your flunkies, too! I should feel honored." "Shut up," the taller girl ordered. "This doesn't concern them." "It doesn't?" Yumeko gasped in mock-shock. "But that never stopped you before." Seiko's ignored her. "Where is Seiji?" There was a pause. "Seiji?" Yumeko ventured, her face going pale. "Yes. Seiji," Seiko mimicked sarcastically, her eyes burning into Yumeko's. The other girl swallowed a gasp and tried to keep from flinching. "What did you do to him?" "I... don't know what you're talking about," Yumeko replied, trying to look for an escape without taking her eyes from Seiko's. Careless careless careless, she'd been so wrapped up in other problems that she'd forgotten a much larger and more important one. "Don't lie to me!" Seiko screamed, shoving her. Yumeko stumbled back, hand instinctively reaching for her scepter- turned-pendant, strangely warm against her skin. "I *know* you have something to do with him disappearing, Kobayashi! Did you think I'd forget?" Yumeko shook her head. Strange, it was ringing without even a single punch. She narrowed her eyes, trying to restore her focus, and... was that a bracelet Seiko was wearing? Her eyes widened, and she narrowly ducked a kick. "Where is he?!" "I told you," Yumeko said, the words feeling like cotton. "I don't know." "Like hell you don't," Seiko snarled as she tried to hit her dodging target. "I'm not going to put up with this anymore. I want answers now!" "Why are you so angry about this, anyway?" Yumeko asked, finding her voice. She skipped a few steps away and folded her arms. Seiko panted. "He's family." There was a slight hum, and Yumeko's eyes darted to Seiko's wrist, just in time for a punch to land in her gut. "And you are not going to come between us!" Yumeko winced and fell to her knees. Strange, the pendant was practically burning through her shirt now. She reached up and grabbed the rod of metal. There was a gasp. "Yumeko!" Both girls whirled to see Misako running towards them. "Yumeko, are you all right?" "What happened?" a red-haired girl asked from behind Misako. "None of your business," Seiko frowned as she fiddled with her bracelet. Strange, she felt like she should know this girl. The girl's eyes narrowed. "You're Seiko, aren't you? I've heard a lot about you." She took a few steps towards her, and there was an imperceptible shimmer between them. Seiko snarled, trying to ignore the itch her bracelet was causing. "I don't have time for this." She turned her attention to Yumeko and scowled. "I'll get it out of you yet, Kobayashi. Third time's the charm." And with that, she stalked towards the school. "What did she want?" Misako asked in wonder. When there was no answer, she turned her attention back to Yumeko. "Don't tell me she's still hung up on her brother." Yumeko ignored her. "What is she doing here?" "Miwako?" Misako's eyes darted from Miwako to Yumeko. "Um... we ran into each other on the way to school and started walking together..." "Yeah." Miwako looked down at Yumeko, her eyes unreadable and the broach on her uniform glinting in the sun. Yumeko squinted. Miwako hesitated for a moment, then offered her hand. Yumeko snarled, resisting the urge to slap it away. She was not a helpless little child. "I can get up myself," she grunted as she stood. Brushing her uniform off, she started towards the school. "That's so weird. I never saw her losing to Seiko before," Misako commented. Her friend laughed shakily, causing her to start. "This is all my fault, isn't it?" Miwako asked with a bitter smile. "No, no! Of course not! I'm sure she'll come around." Misako forced a grin of her own. "Come on, we got to get to school." * * * * * "Yes! Made it just in time," Miwako crowed as she slid into her seat. Misako laughed as she ran over to the seat next to Yumeko. "Psst. Miwako!" "Hrm?" She looked over her shoulder to see a boy with short brown hair and glasses waving at her. She blinked, then grinned. "Hey, I know you. Takuya, right?" "Yeah," he grinned. "Funny, I thought you went to a different class, since I didn't see you after I ran into you in the hall." He laughed nervously as he rubbed the back of his head. "Sorry about that." Miwako giggled. "It's no problem. And yeah, I was put in the wrong classes for a few days. They finally got everything switched around." "So you're going to stay here? Cool. Maybe I can show you around." He winked, and the boy next to him -- Keiji, Miwako reminded herself -- rolled his eyes. She could feel Hiro watching them, and she coughed. "Sorry, but I already did that," Misako half-whispered from across the room. "So you'll just have to use that trick on the next pretty girl that wanders into the room." "Keep trying. Maybe it'll work someday," Miwako smiled. "Ouch, that hurts." Takuya pouted. "Shot down again." Keiji unsuccessfully fought back a chortle, and he received an elbow to the ribs. "Not like you're doing much better," Takuya hissed, gesturing to Yumeko, who was silently gazing out the window. "What? She's just my friend," Keiji grumbled. He managed to tear his eyes away from her as their teacher rapped her desk with a ruler. "If you're quite finished discussing your love lives, we'd like to get on with class." Horikawa-sensei looked over the boys, eyes stern. They bowed their heads, and the class snickered. * * * * * "So you can't sit with us?" Miwako prodded. "No, I'm sorry. But I always sit with Yumeko, and she *is* my best friend and all." Misako shrugged. Miwako nodded. "That's okay. I understand." She smiled and nudged Misako in Yumeko's general direction. "Go on." Misako smiled back. "All right. Maybe I'll see you after school." "Sure," Miwako replied. "Bye!" Misako slipped into the crowd of students making their way to the lunch line. Miwako chuckled as she searched the lunchroom. Now where was he- ah! She picked her way through, eventually reaching Hiro's table and sitting down. "Took you long enough," the boy greeted, looking at Miwako out of a corner of his eye. She shrugged. "I had to say bye to Misako." She opened her obento box, then glared in response to Hiro's gaze. "What? Am I not allowed to have friends now?" "No, it's not that," the spirit guide frowned, not taking his eyes off her. "But as the Dream Warrior, your first priority should be-" "Yeah, yeah, I know." She picked through her box with her chopsticks. "But if nothing's going on, then I can do what I like. Right?" "This is serious! You need to keep an eye out for any kind of disturbance, as well as the Nightmare Fighter, or-" "Keep it down, okay? Someone might hear you." Miwako popped some rice into her mouth and chewed experimentally. Hiro sighed and lowered his voice. "Stop being so difficult, Miwako. I'm doing the best I can with what little we have, and dedication is needed to do this job right. Besides..." "Hmm?" Miwako looked up from her box and blinked at her spirit guide. "Um, Hiro? Hiro, are you okay?" "Eh?" He yanked his gaze from the window. "You were saying something. Besides...?" "Oh! Besides... um... well, it wasn't that important anyway." His eyes darted to the window. "What is it? Something's bothering you." Miwako frowned. "No, it's nothing. I think I have a headache, that's all," he put his head in his hands. Miwako eyed him for a bit longer, then shrugged, going back to her lunch. "Strange," she heard him murmur. "She died years ago." On the other side of the windowpane, a small white feather floated gently to the ground. * * * * * Misako plopped down in front of Yumeko and exhaled loudly. "Hi Yumeko," she said cheerfully. "Hey," the other girl greeted, not looking up from her box. They sat in silence. "Don't you have a lunch?" Yumeko finally asked. "Nope. Forgot mine, and the cafeteria food sucks." Misako smiled a bit nervously. "Hm." Yumeko pushed her obento box to the center of the table. "Here," she said, offering her chopsticks, "it's too much for me anyway." Misako blinked at Yumeko, then at the box, then her smile widened. "Thanks!" She dug in. Shaking her head in mild amusement, Yumeko watched for a bit. Her eyes started straying, though, and they settled on another pair of students. "Huh. Didn't think Hiro'd go and get a new girlfriend so soon." "Stop that, Yumeko," Misako giggled. "Hiro and Miwako are *cousins*. They can't possibly be dating." Yumeko shrugged. "I don't know. I hear that in some parts of the world, it's just fine." She frowned slightly. "How long've you guys been friends, again?" "Oh, me and Miwako? Um..." Misako tapped the box with her chopsticks. "Since the last time you ditched school. Seiko roughed me up pretty bad, and I met her in the nurse's office." Yumeko grimaced, but Misako took no notice. "Hey, you never did tell me what happened that day..." Yumeko sighed. "I don't want to talk about it." She continued studying the sometimes-arguing pair. "I wonder why she moved here." "You know, for someone so insistent on not being her friend, you're awfully nosy," Misako pointed out. "And I don't see you answering any of *my* questions." "I told you I don't want to talk about it," Yumeko frowned. "Well, maybe I don't want to talk about my friend behind her back." Misako threw the chopsticks into the box and shoved it back towards Yumeko. "Here. I'm not hungry anymore." "Misako, where are you going?" Yumeko asked as Misako stood. "For a walk. I hope you don't mind." The other girl looked back, hurt evident in her eyes. Yumeko turned away. "Yeah, I thought so." She sighed. "Look, Yumeko. You don't have to tell me everything. But... I really wish you could. And I still think you should give Miwako a chance." Yumeko considered this, then opened her mouth to reply, but Misako was gone. * * * * * "Yumeko!" The girl turned to see Keiji and Takuya running in her direction. "Walking home by yourself? Don't you usually go with Misako?" Takuya asked. Yumeko nodded to him. "Yeah. But she has a club meeting today, remember?" Takuya smiled sheepishly. "I guess I forgot." "So, can we walk with you?" Keiji ventured. "Sure, why not." Yumeko shrugged and went back to walking. The boys exchanged looks, then fell into step with Yumeko. "You look troubled," Keiji said after a pause. Yumeko snorted. "Don't I always?" "Well... I mean..." "More troubled than usual," Takuya put in. "Is something wrong?" "Something's always wrong." Yumeko started as she heard a fourth set of footsteps. Glancing in their direction, she sighed in relief as she saw that it was just a girl dazedly walking home from school. She really should calm down. "Stop trying to get around the subject," Keiji demanded. "I know you, Yumeko. I've known you since forever. And I *know* when something's wrong." He stepped in front of her and grabbed her shoulders, practically forcing her to look him in the eyes. "Now tell me." "Keiji, I-" Something was wrong. Yumeko jerked her head to one side, spotting a shadow clinging to the girl in impossible ways. The girl's head was thrown back, her mouth open in a soundless scream. Yumeko scowled. The perfect way to cap off the perfect day. "I have to go. Shinichi... I need to talk to Shinichi." She broke free of Keiji's grip and ran off. Keiji stared at the spot Yumeko used to occupy. "I don't get it," he murmured. "She's being distant, I mean more distant than usual, and she isn't telling anyone about it. Not even me or Misako." Takuya shook his head. "I don't know. This is just weird, even for her." "Maybe we sho-" A hollow crack echoed through the air. Both boys whirled to see a schoolgirl lying unconscious on the concrete sidewalk. Takuya ran up to her. "Call an ambulance or something!" he yelled over his shoulder. Keiji nodded and threw open the door of the nearest shop. "What the hell is going on here?" Takuya muttered as he fumbled for the girl's pulse. * * * * * "Good work, class." The club members groaned as they relaxed from their stretching. Miwako cast a sidelong glance at Misako. "Doesn't this hurt? Even a little?" Misako shrugged. "Not really. I'm used to it." She grinned. "You seem pretty in shape for a first-timer." Miwako laughed. "Genetically gifted, I guess. And I do exercise." The instructor, a fairly nondescript man in his mid- twenties, cleared his throat. "Now, split into pairs. It's time for a bit of sparring and demonstration of new moves." The members rose to their feet. Miwako faced Misako and bowed. "Care to teach me, Misako-sensei?" The other girl giggled. "Sure. You know some basics, right?" "Yeah. My parents enrolled me in a martial arts class when I was little. I don't think I'm as good as you or Yumeko or Seiko, though... Why isn't Yumeko here, anyway?" "Well, she used to come a long time ago, but stopped for some reason. She was a natural." Misako made a face, and Miwako couldn't help but laugh. "Okay. Try to block!" A few minutes later, Miwako was groaning from the floor. "Aww, I thought you were better than that," Misako berated. "Give me a break, Misako." Miwako stuck her tongue out at the other girl. "Unarmed combat isn't exactly my thing." "Yeah, I guess so. I was going easy on you, too," Misako grinned. Miwako rolled her eyes at the comment and took the hand Misako offered. "So, what is your thing?" "Um..." Miwako laughed nervously. "Violence isn't the only solution?" At her friend's skeptical look, she sighed. "Really, I always liked staves and swords and that kind of thing." "Oh, I see." Misako waved to the instructor, getting his attention. "Hey, Sensei! Can we use staves?" He shrugged. "I don't see why not. So long as I supervise." He walked off and returned shortly with a pair of long, slender wooden staves, handing one to each girl. He frowned slightly. "I know you can handle these, Misako, but your friend..." "I think I'll be fine," Miwako assured him as she slid into a ready stance. The instructor raised an eyebrow and backed away from them. "Ya ready, Misako?" "Yeah, I think I- ow! Hey!" Misako pushed the offending piece of wood away. "Sorry," Miwako apologized as she withdrew her staff. "You just said you're ready, so..." "Right, right," Misako grumbled. She really should have seen that coming. "Okay," she decided, preparing herself. "Ready." Miwako launched a flurry of attacks, which Misako hastily blocked or dodged. Strange, Miwako wasn't nearly this fast or skilled when they were doing unarmed combat... her eyes widened as she recalled her experience with Seiko. Tightening her grip, she moved her staff up to block, then counterattack. Miwako dodged it easily and brought her staff low, knocking her friend off her feet. "Wow," Misako said as she sat up. "I bet you're a match for Seiko with that thing." "Nah, I don't think so," Miwako laughed. "I mean, this isn't exactly your specialty, ne Misako? I'm just a little better at it, that's all." "I'll say," Misako muttered as she stood, rubbing her sore leg. "You might have given me a bruise!" She pouted as Miwako snickered. "In all seriousness... Miwako, was it?" Miwako nodded. "Miwako," the instructor continued, "You seem to be a natural at that form of combat. Maybe you should look into it a bit more." Miwako nodded. "Yeah, but I don't... well, maybe." She blinked at an unfamiliar sound, then looked up in its direction. A white bird was beating its wings against the window. "I think I have to go." She smiled apologetically. "Thanks for inviting me, Misako!" "No problem," Misako responded. "You going to be okay?" "Yeah, I've just got a lot of homework to do." She bowed to the instructor, waved to Misako, and made her way to the door. "Took you long enough!" Hiro complained as he flapped over to where Miwako exited. "Is that all you know how to greet people with? How about 'hi'?" Miwako asked as she ran for the closest alley. "We have no time for that. The Loki Cult made another attack. Hurry up and transform!" "Give me a sec." Miwako unfastened her broach and held it before her. "Let the dream begin... let the power commence! My power, by right and birth, the power of the Dream Realm!" She closed her eyes as golden-white light blazed around her, through her, and into her... amazing sensations of ancient power she could just barely begin to grasp, and then it ended. She blinked a couple times, orienting herself, and looked to her spirit guide. "Good, Dream Warrior," the white bird said, a hint of respect in his voice. "Let's go. I'll lead you to where the threat is." He flapped off. Dream Warrior Miwako followed. What else was there to do? * * * * * Yumeko gasped for breath as she reached the school gates. By the time she'd transformed, the shadow creature had already moved to another victim. Fortunately, a quick attack from her scepter had forced it to release the boy. Unfortunately, it had fled. She scowled. The stupid thing was *fast*, and because it was so fast she couldn't focus in on it well enough to see anything past the shadow. She did manage to keep up with it, though barely. And now it had retreated onto school grounds. Allowing herself a small smirk, Yumeko slowed her steps. She was sure she knew this area better than the monster could. All she had to do was find it and- There! She pulled her scepter back, darkness lashing forward and striking the creature. It howled in pain, and Yumeko smiled. Now it should run away again... Instead, the shadow balled up and hovered for a moment. Yumeko blinked a few times, peering into the darkness surrounding it... Armored plating? She gasped as it zoomed forward instead of back, and she barely managed to dodge to one side as it went by, teeth and claws slashing through the air. It stopped only a few yards away and uncurled, the creature's canine eyes sweeping back and forth. If it hadn't just attacked her, Yumeko probably wouldn't have even thought it knew she was there. She swallowed, then stepped forward, concentrating on building her aura. "Hold still," she whispered. The creature's eyes focused on her and it curled in an instant. She braced herself for another attack, but instead it darted right, crashing through the unlocked doors of the school building. Yumeko blinked in surprise, then followed. Why couldn't the damn thing hold still? * * * * * "Here, Dream Warrior!" Hiro called, flying through the gates of the school. "What? But this is our school!" Miwako exclaimed in disbelief as she stopped before the building, its bricks tinted orange-red by the setting sun. "Nevertheless, the creature is inside. We must hurry." He began to fly towards it, then turned around and faced his charge. "Well, what are you waiting for?" Dream Warrior Miwako peered at the building. "How long has this monster been around? Since you let me know, at least, right?" "Yes." Hiro flapped over to the Dream Warrior. "It took me a while to get to the club and get your attention, as well." Miwako swallowed. "Then... how many people do you think it got because we took so long?" "Too many. That's why we need to destroy it now!" Hiro affirmed. "Before it gets anyone else, and the Loki Cult gets stronger!" The Dream Warrior shook her head. "You know as well as I do that the school's empty by now, Hiro. So it's gotta be on the run." She eyed the bird. "You've gotta go make sure anyone that the monster... fed off of is okay. Is there any way for you to do that?" "There might be some residue, but... that's not the point! If it's on the run, that means the Nightmare Fighter is nearby, and getting in there is paramount!" He glared at the Dream Warrior. "What are you waiting for?" She glared back. "For you to make sure whoever it got is okay! For all we know, they could be lying in the middle of a street somewhere where anything can happen to them!" "But the Nightmare Fighter-" "Let *me* worry about the Nightmare Fighter. I'm the Dream Warrior, remember?" Miwako slapped her shield. "And I say you should go and make sure they're okay." "I can't have you getting killed!" Miwako's distraught spirit guide finally cried, landing on the ground. "It's happened... I don't want it to... I have to be there if you need me!" Miwako's gaze softened. "I know, Hiro. But you have to trust me. And we need to make sure they're okay." She scooped him up. "I know I'm not perfect, but I won't let you down. Okay?" Hiro looked into the Dream Warrior's eyes and cocked his head to one side, then sighed. "Okay. Okay, Dream Warrior. I'll do as you ask." Miwako smiled, then held him an arm's length away, and he took to the sky. "Good luck." Dream Warrior Miwako watched Hiro's flight as long as she dared, then turned to the building and ran for the front door. She could do this. * * * * * Yumeko stalked through the shadows of the school. It was strange, being in there after it was supposed to be closed. It was silent and dark, and while she could see without turning the light on, a part of her itched to drive away the shadows. But she knew that if she did, she would alert the creature to where she was. Just as if the creature made a sound, it would alert her to where it was. It was a game of cat and mouse. And the Nightmare Fighter was determined to be the cat. Yumeko heard a slight woosh, and instantly pressed herself against the hallway wall. She winced as displaced air rushed over her... and then it was gone. She cautiously peeled herself away from the wall, vaguely noticed that the hem of her dress was ripped, and broke into a run after the monster. Rounding a corner, Yumeko spotted a gleam, and hair rose on the back of her neck as the gleam resolved into the Dream Warrior. Shining sword held high, she had the monster backed against the supply cabinet. Yumeko scowled. It was *her* again, probably there on Hiro's orders. But this time, she was ready. If that girl tried anything, she could- The monster rolled up. Yumeko tensed and felt a rush of adrenaline as it barreled towards her. Her dark aura flared and flashed forward. The monster turned at a junction to the right, narrowly avoiding the aura, and the blackness slammed into silvery metal. Nightmare Fighter Yumeko blinked, then quickly brought up her scepter to block a strike from the Dream Warrior's sword. "What was that for?" Miwako questioned, energy pressing into metal. "I was trying to destroy the demon," Yumeko hissed as she held fast. The other girl's eyes narrowed, and her arm tensed. Yumeko angrily bit back a twinge of fear, uncomfortably aware that her scepter wasn't exactly designed for swordsmanship. Dream Warrior Miwako lowered her sword and stepped back. "I believe you. Let's stop the thing now and talk later." Yumeko nodded tersely and gestured at the corridor. There was no way she'd let her possible enemy have a good view of her back. Miwako eyed her sometimes-ally cautiously before running down the hallway, using only her sword for light. The Nightmare Fighter followed. They reached a semi-lit part of the building, the Chemistry labs, Yumeko realized. The Dream Warrior stopped and pointed forward with her sword. "There it is," she half-whispered. Nightmare Fighter Yumeko stepped to one side for a better view. The creature was hunched over something, and a janitor's bucket and mop were lying haphazardly on the floor. "Let's get it," she said. "It's distracted." "No," Miwako protested. "It's probably got another victim. What if it-" "I attack them when they're feeding all the time! If we don't hit it now, we might not get another chance!" "But what if we accidentally hit whoever it's feeding on? Did you think of that?" Dream Warrior Miwako glared at Yumeko. "Tapping it on the shoulder's one thing, but hitting it with something really powerful might just kill the person, too!" Yumeko snorted. "Have any better ideas?" "Yes." With that, the Dream Warrior ran forward, sword ready. She swiped at the creature's back. The creature whirled, lashing at her with gleaming claws and teeth. Miwako scrambled back and raised her shield defensively. Her attack didn't even leave a mark. "What... why didn't it work?" she gasped out. The Nightmare Fighter opened her mouth to reply, but before she could the creature curled into a ball. Miwako slammed into the thing with her shield, and it ricocheted off the wall and back into her. She fell to the floor with a thud. The creature, still curled, hovered over her. It started spinning, claws going round and round, closer and closer to the Dream Warrior, who simply stared up at it with wide eyes... Nightmare Fighter Yumeko cursed under her breath. This was not the time for inaction. She was going to kill the creature, and in order to do so she was going to take a chance, and she wasn't going to let Miwako's troubles get in her way. It was *Miwako's* fault for not doing as instructed, after all. Yumeko held the scepter before her. "Power of the Dream Realm," she chanted, feeling a chill around her. The monster stopped, and one yellow eye fixed on the Nightmare Fighter. "Close the pathways, deny the strength!" Yumeko shouted as the lights flickered and dimmed. Howling, it flew forward. The Nightmare Fighter held fast. "Remove your favor from this unclean one!" she finished, her torn dress whipping in the cold, cruel air, the fluorescent lights sizzling and going out. Blackness surrounded the monster, closing in, further and further, the creature screaming and writhing in pain. Yumeko smiled. And then there was a clatter as its armor dropped to the floor. The creature was bare now, covered with fur, but its claws were still there. It snarled, baring its teeth at the Nightmare Fighter. She stared in shock. "It didn't work," she whispered as it hurled itself at her. "It didn't work." Fighting back the urge to run, she raised her scepter in defense, a small, quivering aura forming around her... And the creature fell to the ground. Dream Warrior Miwako pulled her sword cleanly from its back and looked to Yumeko. "Thank you." The Nightmare Fighter looked at the Dream Warrior, then down at the monster, which was already melting into a black vapor. Even the ichor on the Dream Warrior's sword was dissolving. Yumeko opened her mouth once, twice, then simply nodded. * * * * * Meika watched. Mio had been silent since the priestess left, falling into a deep and quiet sleep. The priestess had told her to guard Mio, to alert her in the case of any change in behavior. She had agreed. What could she do but agree? The priestess was her mistress, the one they all looked to for guidance. But still, it was awfully boring. She almost wished something would happen- Mio's eyes flew open, and she screamed, louder than any Meika had heard before. Meika leapt to her feet and ran out of the room. "Mistress, Mistress!" she called. The priestess looked up from her position before the shrine. "What is it, Meika-chan?" Meika gasped for breath. "It's Mio. She's-" "I see," the priestess said. She stood in one graceful movement. "Let's check on her, shall we?" When they reached her, the screaming was over. Mio's mouth was closed, but she continued staring at the ceiling. "Mio? Mio, can you hear me?" the priestess asked, touching the girl's hand. She didn't reply. Meika stared. "Is she- she can't be-" "Dead? No. Merely asleep." The priestess' words were calm. Meika swallowed and nodded, noticing the girl's rising and falling chest. "But with her eyes open?" "Yes. And she will continue to sleep until all the pieces are in place." The priestess pressed her fingers against the girl's forehead, then looked into Meika's eyes. "This is war." The priestess' eyes were unreadable as ever, and Meika trembled. She tore her gaze away and looked back down at the 'sleeping' girl, feeling fear fill her chest. Before she could cry, the priestess embraced her, and Meika clung to her. "I'll do what I can," the girl whispered huskily, keeping her tears at bay. "I want to help." "I know you do, Meika-chan," the priestess assured her as she stroked her hair. "And you will." * * * * * The moon shone brightly over the Nightmare Fighter and Dream Warrior as they studied each other. Yumeko spoke first. "It's over." "Yeah, it is." Dream Warrior Miwako nodded. "Thanks again for getting it away from me." "I didn't do it for you," Yumeko informed her with a grimace. "I wanted to destroy it." "Well, then, thanks for destroying the creature." Nightmare Fighter Yumeko nodded. The Dream Warrior sighed, then waved her sword hand, the weapon vanishing. "Why don't we work together, Yumeko?" The other girl started at the mention of her name. So Miwako knew, too... she had suspected, but it was still surprising. "Because I can't trust you." "Why?" Miwako asked, looking genuinely confused. "We fight the same enemy. We even have some of the same friends. Why can't you? If it's about Hiro, I-" Yumeko shook her head. "I can't." She glared at Miwako. "How do I know you're telling the truth?" The Dream Warrior bowed her head. "I guess... you don't." She looked up and smiled humorlessly. "But I could have easily killed you today. Think about it." She turned away. "See you at school." Nightmare Fighter Yumeko watched her leave. Miwako was right. She *could* have easily killed her. And Hiro was practically telling her to finish her off last time... And then there was the fact that the monster was going to destroy her, but Miwako finished it off. She had essentially saved Yumeko twice. She snarled, and her wonderment turned to anger. Miwako was probably just trying to gain her trust. And she didn't need any help anyway! She was *not* helpless, and she could fight on her own. She didn't need Hiro or Miwako or her mother or anybody else. "Nice girl, isn't she?" Yumeko looked over her shoulder to see a harlequin mask smiling down at her. She jumped back and raised her scepter, an aura building. "You again." Fable giggled. "Too bad nice girls finish last." He tapped his chin. "So you're going to stick it out on your own, are you?" The Nightmare Fighter's eyes narrowed. "What's it to you?" "Nothing!" Fable cried. Yumeko grit her teeth, and Fable spun in the air, his patchwork cloak billowing around him, then floated gently to the ground. "I have a present for you." "I don't want any of your presents." "But this one's fun! I promise." He laughed his high- pitched laughter again, then reached into the folds of his cloak and offered her a green sprig with red berries. Yumeko blinked. "Mistletoe?" "Maaaaaaaaybe." Fable waved. "I have to go. A pressing engagement, and all. Ta ta!" And he was gone. Nightmare Fighter Yumeko stood before the school, staring at the mistletoe in her hand, trying to fight off the unsettling feeling that she wasn't sure about anything anymore. * * * * * Author's Notes: OH MY GOD, A PART WAS ACTUALLY FINISHED. Or maybe that should be: OH MY GOD, THE BOYS ACTUALLY GOT SCREEN TIME. Or maybe... well, anyway. ^_^; This was fun! NFY is always *so* much fun to write for, even when it's agonizing, and I'm glad I could do it again. I do apologize for the lateness of this chapter, though. Hopefully it wasn't too much. Much thanks goes to Lady Chaos, John, Phoebe, and Marcus for being idea bouncers and prereaders. ^_^ They were an incredible help. Also, thanks to whoever invented deadlines, because deadlines are our friends and if they didn't exist I'd probably never get anything done. Even if I do go over them. And even if they do make me go loopy from time to time. Anyway, whee! I want feedback, dangit. So gimme. Please? Ardweden - arwen@ardweden.com 1/22/01 Beware the Radish http://www.mit.edu/~johne/btr/